NEWS >>

Quantum Signal gets first AV testing plates in Michigan

Quantum Signal has become the first company to receive manufacturer plates from the Michigan Secretary of State under a new law that broadens eligibility for those allowed to test automated vehicles (AVs) on the state’s roads. In December 2013, Governor Rick Snyder signed Senate Bill 169, now Public Act 231, into law, which approves the testing of AVs on Michigan roads and expanded the eligibility of those that can do the testing to include universities and automated technology developers and suppliers. Previously, only a handful of entities could legally test new/automated vehicle technologies on public roads. The Act contains the proviso that when an AV is being tested on a public road, a licensed driver must be behind the wheel and ready to take control at all times.

Quantum Signal (QS) is a technology company that is currently researching a combination of robotics and video analytics to advance the development of AVs. It is developing Visual Odometry systems that estimate a vehicle’s position based on analysis of camera data. QS’ advanced image processing techniques incorporate Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Traffic Sign Recognition systems to create ESARR (Enhanced Situational Awareness via Road Sign Recognition), which improves navigation through urban terrain where GPS signals are inconsistent.

“Vehicles with semi-autonomous and fully autonomous capabilities are clearly the future of automotive transportation, and having the opportunity to test advanced systems on public roadways will help our team enhance the technology to better traverse the complexities of the roadway that we, as human drivers, face every day,” said Mitchell Rohde, CEO and co-founder of QS. “As a robotics and autonomy technology company, born and grown in Michigan, we are proud and humbled to walk in the footsteps of great automotive pioneers and help keep Detroit the international center of automotive development.” State Transportation Director, Kirk T Steudle, commented, “This new law will help make Michigan the leader in automated vehicles in the world. It also means safer roads in the future, as well as less expensive ones, as we reduce the need to design roads for human error.”